Netflix now has a key partner it can count on as the company prepares to enter the European market.

Lionsgate today announced that it has signed an agreement with Netflix that will make the rental company the exclusive provider of its first-run films streaming in the U.K. and Ireland. However, as with previous deals Netflix has signed with studios, Lionsgate won't immediately provide the films to the streaming provider. Instead, Lionsgate's new and upcoming titles, including "The Hunger Games" and "The Expendables 2," will make their debut on Netflix "within one year of their theatrical release."

"Saw 3D" and "The Mechanic," among several other films from the Lionsgate library, will be made available on Netflix when the service launches.

However, in the U.K., Netflix will be met with some competition. Currently, Lovefilm, another company that provides streaming and DVD rentals, offers its service in the U.K., Germany, Sweden, and elsewhere around Europe. More importantly, Lovefilm was acquired by Amazon earlier this year, potentially paving the way for a bitter European battle between the tech giants.

That said, the Lionsgate deal could be an issue for Amazon's streaming service. As noted, Lionsgate has given Netflix exclusive streaming rights to its content, and according to the companies, that deal will be in place for multiple years.

About the author

Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
See full bio